Thursday, December 13, 2018

Gift Guide: What We're Giving the Guys

Just like the girls guide post from earlier this week - here are a few of D's favorite things mixed with items we couldn't resist for all of the dudes on our list. Also, to be honest, I'm a huge fan of everything here and think many of the ladies in your life could appreciate these gifts as well.

Because a heavy classic tumbler just makes a cocktail taste better, and we love the set we picked up from Ikea this year way more than expected. The Godinger Double Old Fashioned Glasses pictured above look like another great option, from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Because even though it has already graced the guides multiple times, it will never not be on our list to give or receive. Our favorites are the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour - but we also love the New Orleans Rouge and Oaxacan riffs on the classic. This plus a quality bottle of booze is a perfect gift for everyone. Bittermilk Cocktail Mixers also some flavors are available on Amazon.

Because breakfast cocktails may be more of his jam. We can attest to how delicious this easy mixer makes a little hair of the dog. Bloody Mary Elixer from Pacific Pickle Works.

Because D picked up one of these in a great bar supply store in Toronto earlier this year and wished he had done so years ago. A great heavyweight accessory for mixing drinks. Stainless Steel Bell Jigger available on Amazon.

Because (and to wrap up the cocktail section) - great ice makes such a difference. Returning to the gift guide for the nth time, a favorite ice tray maker with options to suit his cocktail of choice. Whether big cubes, spheres or the perfect crushed ice for a mule, these always deliver for a home bartender and look good doing it. Peak Ice Trays from W&P Design.

Because although he's a beanie guy on the weekends- with product in his hair en route to the office, ear muffs are actually a better option for frigid mornings (and evenings). This pair are understated, handsome and won't mess up his do. Chesterfield Ear Warmers from 180s.

Because as fellow Coloradans, we're big fans of this brand, and we find these minimalist pouches great for toiletries, cables or other random gear while traveling. Why not fill one with a few other favorite things for a perfect gift and package. Accessory Bags by Topo.

Because we seem to always need another deck of cards, whether ours have mildewed from a summer of playing Oh Hell at camp or one of us wants to throw a pack in a bag for travel. We've found these cards from Art of Play to be lovely - and they have a style to suit any gift recipient on your list. I'm particularly fond on the super quirky surrealist Odd Bods deck.

Because if he's up for more than a game of cards, this was our favorite new game of the year, introduced to us by two of our dearest friends. As a bonus, it's not only a great game for four, but also a really fun game for two (which multi-player games rarely are). Splendor available at Target.

Because it's worth every penny - if you're looking for a big gift. Packs down to nothing, delivers great warmth - a year round essential for him (and for her). Nano Puff by Patagonia.

Because sous vide has been our most gifted item this year. D, my dad and my father-in-law even have a text chain titled 'bro-vide' to discuss their latest menu innovations. A few accessories might make their cooking experiments even more successful so we're eyeing a square water bath container and tight-fitting lid to reduce heat loss and evaporation. If there are those on your list who are culinarily-inclined or science-minded, sous vide is a really great way to make cooking feel fun and new. We love our Anova - and they've just released a very affordable Nano in time for the holidays.

Because everything this company makes is gorgeous and this indigo shirt is an instant classic. Ventura Shirt Indigo with Red Windowpane from Faherty. (They have some amazing lady stuff too.)

Because we happen to know *someone* who is just a little bit truffle obsessed. He may be my father. Packs more flavor punch than his favorite truffle salt, but without the added sodium. Truffle Zest Seasoning from Sabatino Tartufi.

Because the oversized format and boar bristles are ideal for beard brushing - according to my very bearded husband. Beard Brush available on Amazon.

Because these are D's preferred winter weather gloves - for skiing, carrying Christmas trees and anything else the cold throws at him. Flylow Tough Guy Glove available on Backcountry.

Because we've tried and loved bourbon-barrel aged soy sauce before, but this imperial version takes it to the next level. For his weekly stir fry - homemade or takeout. Imperial Soy Sauce from Bourbon Barrel Foods.

Because D has appropriated a very similar giveaway bag from one of my events as his own - and we disagree over who gets to use it on every trip we take together. The Twill Weekender by Everlane.

Because if the Oribe dry spray is my desert island hair product - this is D's. Holds his style all day, clean look, no grease. Clay Pomade by Baxter available on Amazon.

Because after transporting this home from camp several years ago, we still haven't returned it to our friend (sorry Binns). An excellent log maneuvering device. Perfect for firepits and places. Sunnydaze Heavy Duty Log Grabber available on Amazon.

Because it's the key to a quickly built fire any night of the week, and we're not taking advantage of this fireplace the other eight months of the year. Fatwood Crate from LL Bean.

Because these pants are D tested and approved for his post-government work week wear in a variety of shades. Stretch Weekday Warriors from Bonobos.

Finally, because he's been really really good, a super sweet drone to capture all the footy of his adventures. We own (and adore) the Mavic Air, by the same manufacturer (DJI), but the younger brother model is a great entry-level drone that still boasts all of DJI's signature technology in a smaller package - just spend some time watching the videos on the website. Spark by DJI.